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Law & criminology

BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology with Foundation Year

A degree with a foundation year, so you can start without A-Levels. Taught in person, usually 2 days a week.

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Key course facts

Campus locations
London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Nottingham Not every course runs in every city. We’ll confirm your nearest campus on your call.
Start dates
Enrolment is ongoing Term start dates run throughout the year, so you can apply now for the next available start.
Entry requirements
No formal qualifications needed for foundation year entry This applies when you apply as a mature student. You’ll have an interview or admissions assessment, and our Admissions team helps you prepare.
Duration
Usually 4 years A foundation year followed by a 3-year degree.
Timetable
2 days a week, in person Usually around 4 hours a day on campus, plus time for independent study and assignments.
Fees (UK students, 2026/27)
Foundation year £5,760, then £9,790 a year Eligible students can pay with a Tuition Fee Loan from Student Finance England, which goes straight to the university, so there’s nothing to pay upfront. Fees can rise in later years.

Course availability, campuses and fees are set by each partner university and can change by intake. We confirm the details for your course before you apply. See how funding works.

Curious about what drives human behaviour, or what leads people to commit crime? This course combines two powerful disciplines to help you explore the complex relationship between the mind and the justice system. And if you don’t have A-Levels or formal qualifications, the foundation year gives you a supportive introduction to academic study. During the foundation year, you’ll strengthen key skills in writing, research, analysis and communication, helping you build the confidence and preparation needed to thrive in higher education.

The main degree then dives into core topics, including

  • Psychological theories of behaviour and cognition
  • The causes and consequences of crime
  • Criminal justice systems and law enforcement
  • Mental health, social inequality, and deviant behaviour
  • Research methods used in social science

By combining criminology with psychology, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of both individual behaviour and broader social patterns. This makes it a great fit for students interested in careers in youth work, criminal justice, victim support, mental health services, or further training in forensic psychology. If you’re interested in people, justice, and real-world impact, this degree opens the door to a range of meaningful professions, and it starts with a foundation year designed to meet you where you are.

Two subjects in one degree: why people commit crime, and what drives human behaviour.

Who this course suits

  • You’re curious about why people commit crime and how society responds
  • You’d like to work in criminal justice, victim support or youth work
  • You’re interested in mental health and behaviour
  • You’ve worked or volunteered with people in difficult situations

Careers this course can lead to

  • Probation services officer
  • Youth justice worker
  • Victim support caseworker
  • Prison officer
  • Police staff roles
  • Community safety officer
  • Mental health support worker
  • Research assistant

Becoming a psychologist, including a forensic psychologist, needs further accredited training after your degree.

A typical week

On campus

2 days a week, around 4 hours a day

Lectures and seminars on theories of crime, psychology and the justice system, with discussion of real cases and research studies.

Independent study

Evenings, weekends or days off

Reading research, analysing case studies and writing essays and reports.

Criminology and Psychology: your questions answered

Will this degree make me a psychologist?

No. Psychologist roles, including forensic psychology, need further accredited training after your degree, and some routes need a degree accredited by the British Psychological Society. Ask us whether this course is accredited for your intake.

Do I need a background in psychology or criminology?

No. The foundation year introduces academic study, and both subjects are taught from the basics.

Will we study difficult topics?

Yes. Topics such as violent crime and victimisation can be hard to study, so it’s worth thinking about this before you apply.

Can it lead to a career in the police?

It can support an application, because you’ll understand crime and the justice system. Police forces set their own entry routes and requirements.

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